The MP for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has advised government to desist from using foreign rice for its School Feeding Programme.

The National Democratic Congress legislator explained that the country stands to gain should local rice be prioritised.

He made this call while speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Wednesday.

"We must stop using foreign rice to feed our children. We are sinking in so much money. We give monies to caterers who will go and buy Thai rice to feed our children. Even the feeding is not done properly,” he said.

However, a former Chairman of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Dr. Assibey-Yeboah had a different suggestion.

He lamented the huge sums of money being channelled into the School Feeding Programme, saying it costs government about “a billion cedis.”

He wants it cancelled altogether.

The School Feeding Programme was initiated in 2005 to provide free meals for school children. However, it has been criticised on many fronts, including claims that deprived communities not benefit, as well the food quality being poor leading to malnutrition problems.